In the beginning of February, the Dutch Grand Prix was named the best and most sustainable F1 race organizer of 2023. The Dutch organization was awarded the title of most sustainable among all F1 races in 2023 during The F1 Promotor Awards at the British Museum in London. The evaluation was conducted by a panel of key figures from the F1 organization and also took into account feedback from fans. Here’s a further explanation about the Dutch success program and the F1 Net Zero Carbon By 2023 program.
Speed and sustainability come together sooner
Formula 1 is likely perceived by the average person as one of the most polluting sports events in the world. Without knowing the facts and figures well, this is a logical thought; Motorsport is likely to be perceived as more polluting than non-motorized sports by the average consumer. However, the reality is that the F1 has globally expressed the hard ambition to be net-zero carbon by 2023, and teams and organizers are already working hard to minimize CO2 emissions.
Sustainability is a prerequisite
The organization of the Dutch Grand Prix is in the hands of three highly experienced organizers of sports events, such as the Invictus Games, KLM Open, European Athletics Championships, FIH Hockey World Cup, FIVB Volleyball World Championship, etc. All that experience is combined in the execution of the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, where speed and sustainability come together. Where the focus on sustainability is not just a marketing idea but a prerequisite for existence.
With the organization of the Dutch Grand Prix, not only records are broken in terms of customer satisfaction, but the Dutch approach also sets new standards for environmentally conscious event organization. It is necessary to look beyond just spectacle: the focus is on innovation, fan experience, and above all, sustainability.
Director of the Dutch Grand Prix Robert van Overdijk is pleased with the recognition: “In terms of sustainability, we have taken many big steps in recent years. To start, 98% of our visitors come to the event in a sustainable way. But we are also proud of the ‘smart grid’ we created in 2022, where we bundled generators for peak demand. This has drastically reduced the amount of fuel used and moreover, we use HVO100 fuel, saving an additional 82.5% on our footprint. In 2023, we expanded the energy supply with a fixed power connection and solar panels. In this way, we have eliminated a total of 94.5% of our emissions from energy production. Next year, we also want to take steps on all the different sustainability pillars,” concludes Van Overdijk.
The facts about sustainability at the Dutch Grand Prix
The successful Dutch Grand Prix sustainability program has six pillars:
1. Mobility
Goal: 100% sustainable visitor transport
Result 2023: 98% sustainable transport visitors Next steps: Scale up capacity of sustainable transport options and charging options suppliers.
2. Nature & recycling
Goal: Eliminate plastic waste
Result 2023: 75% recycling of plastic cups thanks to use of tokens and collection strategy, unused food going to the food bank, 100% waste separation afterwards, advertising banners fully recycled.
Next steps: 85% recycling cups, maximise drinking water points, reuse materials.
3 Energy
Goal: 95% reduction of emissions from energy supply
Result 2023: 95% reduction in CO2 emissions from energy supply compared to start in 2021.
Next steps: Expand our green facilities and reduce generators. Renewable energy via fixed connection and solar panels, including for F1 teams.
4 Social impact
Goal: F1 for everyone
Result 2023: 200 places for people with disabilities, in the best spot on the circuit. F1 at a distance for long-term sick children. Families invited on a small budget, together with the LINDA.Foundation.
Next steps: Enable the fan experience for more target groups and a unique experience for children with disabilities.
5 Economic impact
Goal: Reduce transport movements
Result 2023: Expand procurement locally/regionally.
Next steps: Link sustainable solutions and facilities to suppliers
6 New initiatives
Result 2023: New fixed VIP pavilion on the circuit reused from the Floriade grounds. Commissioning hydrogen generator, solar panels, additional water points.
Next steps: Recycling more materials, More efficient food chain, More extensive reporting tools, Sustainable power connection, Touring coaches on clean HVO100
fuel.
Read more about the sustainability program on: https://dutchgp.com/en/sustainability/
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